Shalimar Philtre De Parfum

Already reinterpreted on numerous occasions, it does not lack olfactory variations. However, Shalimar offers yet another new variant of its scent. Guerlain decides to tell us an unprecedented chapter of its love story. Focus on Shalimar Philtre de Parfum, a 2020 creation signed Thierry Wasser.

Shalimar Philtre de Parfum, a more powdery essence

Shalimar Philtre de Parfum takes up the main olfactory notes of its predecessors. However, it is more sensual and plays more on powdery notes of iris, while pairing them with an overdose of vanilla. It all begins with the tangy, slightly bitter freshness of bergamot, now given airiness by lemon and lavender. Then, iris, earthy and powdery, enters the scene. This flower first blooms in a floral heart, woven with rose and jasmine. More discreet than before, jasmine adds texture to the whole while remaining fresh. Then, little by little, Guerlain dares a contrast and warms up its recipe with vanilla and coumarin. Played in overdose, vanilla reveals the creamy, syrupy glow of Shalimar Philtre de Parfum. The whole concludes with a woody, balsamic blend of patchouli, Tolu balsam and benzoin.

A bottle echoing an Indian love story

As for the bottle, Shalimar Philtre de Parfum is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessors. Indeed, its bottle remains unchanged. It must be said that it draws its creative origins from exactly the same place as its predecessors: India. As a reminder, the Shalimar fragrance is inspired by an Indian legend. It all began in the seventeenth century, when Emperor Shah Jahan lived a passionate love for his companion Mumtaz Mahal. Together, they liked to walk hand in hand through the Shalimar gardens. Unfortunately, while giving birth to one of their children, Mumtaz Mahal died suddenly. Mad with grief, Shah Jahan decided to have the most beautiful of mausoleums built for her, in the Shalimar gardens. Now world-famous, it is the Taj Mahal.
The Shalimar Philtre de Parfum bottle was designed with this love story specifically in mind. Thus, it takes the form of a basin on a chiseled base, inspired by the water of a fountain in the Shalimar gardens. This is also where its midnight-blue cap comes from. Moreover, it also recalls the shape of the fans typical of the Roaring Twenties. While Shalimar Philtre de Parfum retains the silhouette of its predecessors, it offers a new pale yellow juice. A small charm bearing Guerlain's initials is also attached to its neck. As a reminder, this design owes its existence to Raymond Guerlain in collaboration with Baccarat, which earned it the first prize at the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Decorative Arts.